If you have another $1,500, I would go to a hustler dealer and get one of their residental units. You could get the 42" sport for $3000 brand new. Its got a briggs and straton engine, but for a little more you could get a honda engine. Hustler is much better than deere or troy bilt. They say the sport is built to the same standards as the commercial units. I have had it for 3 months and it works amazing.

$1300!? look on Craigslist and get a used Walk Behind. i got my 07 gravely 36" w/ 176 hrs for 1100. u can find a 48" for around that price probably too. i wouldnt get either. do urself the favor and save up a couple hundred more and u will find a nice mower. if u are absolutely stuck on this kids mower then go for the deere. but u could go on CL right now and find a good WB in ur area no doubt in my mind for 1300

If you have another $1,500, I would go to a hustler dealer and get one of their residental units. You could get the 42" sport for $3000 brand new. Its got a briggs and straton engine, but for a little more you could get a honda engine. Hustler is much better than deere or troy bilt. They say the sport is built to the same standards as the commercial units. I have had it for 3 months and it works amazing.

You can get a used Exmark Laser Z (60' deck) for $3000. When spending that kind of money, go commercial..

The Troy-Bilt Z and the Cub Z are basically the same unit with different paint and decals, both made by MTD.

The JD rider is not a real JD, probably made by AYP or MTD. A real JD will say "Made in Moline" and hold its value.

Probably the weakest point in all of the three you mentioned is the hydro trannies. They don't have a filter or drain plug, and you can't change the oil.

If your friend is a careful driver and takes good care of his truck, don't gun it out of the blocks, is a stickler for doing the maintenance on all his stuff, that tells you something. If he ain't, that tells you something too.

If you just have to have a rider you can't afford commercial. A Lazer for 3K is pretty hard to find, I never seen one.

You have to weigh everything, make your business decision, and hope for the best.

I went with the wb, new, belt drive, eXmark Metro 32. Very reliable. Got a heck of a deal on it -- I think because everyone wants a rider and it had been on the floor quite awhile. It was right for me, but not for everybody.